Astros report: Altuve makes return from bereavement leave

Jose Altuve returned after missing three games, and made up for the lost time by recording three hits. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH — The loss of Cruz Maria Torres was still with Jose Altuve. But the Astros second baseman insisted he was ready to return to baseball.

Altuve played his first game Saturday after spending the last four days on the bereavement list. He traveled to Maracay, Venezuela to attend the funeral of his paternal grandmother, who died Monday at the age of 68. Torres helped raise Altuve and played a large role in his life.

“She was like the mom of everybody in the family,” Altuve said. “We all live like almost in the same place. We’re really close. … We went everyday to her house to see how she was and everything. She was a really nice person. Now she’s not here anymore.”

Altuve arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday but was given the day off by manager Bo Porter.

“He was really good to me in this moment. I know it’s not easy,” said Altuve, who lined a sharp single to left field in his first at-bat. “I just appreciate all my team, everything they do for me. They text me, they call me, they wish me the best. Now I’m back to play the game hard as always.”

With Altuve’s return, Jake Elmore was sent back to Class AAA Oklahoma City. Elmore went 4-for-11 with one RBI and one run in three games with the Astros.

Porter explains defensive blunders

Astros rightfielder Jimmy Paredes’ E-9 Friday was the first dropped pop up/fly ball resulting in a walk-off since New York Mets second baseman Luis Castillo’s infamous muff of Alex Rodriguez’s game-winning short fly for the Yankees on June 12, 2009.

Paredes’ collision with Elmore was simple and embarrassing. But the reason the inexperienced right fielder was still in the game when defensive standout Brandon Barnes was still on the bench was complex.

Porter said Barnes (ankle) and shortstop Ronny Cedeno (sinuses) weren’t available Friday. With reserve catcher Carlos Corporan on the bench and unable to play another position, the Astros’ reserve options were limited.

That’s why reliever Wesley Wright was forced to attempt a sacrifice bunt in the top of the eighth inning, yet only faced two Pirates batters. That’s also why Porter was still explaining his managing decisions in-depth a day later.

“When you’re in a National League ballpark and you only have two bench players … it limits the things that you can do,” said Porter, who didn’t reveal his short bench Friday because he didn’t want to tip the Astros’ hand.

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Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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May 19: Pirates 1, Astros 0

J.D. Martinez of the Astros loses his bat as he swings at a pitch in the first inning

May 19: Pirates 1, Astros 0

J.D. Martinez of the Astros loses his bat as he swings at a pitch in the first inning

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros attempts a double play in the fifth inning

Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros attempts a double play in the fifth inning

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Jeff Locke of the Pirates delivers a pitch to the Astros.

Jeff Locke of the Pirates delivers a pitch to the Astros.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell delivers a pitch to the Pirates.

Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell delivers a pitch to the Pirates.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez looks for the wall as he chases after a foul ball

Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez looks for the wall as he chases after a foul ball

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell makes a throw to the Pirates.

Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell makes a throw to the Pirates.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Travis Snider of the Pirates prepares to make contact with Astros catcher Jason Castro at home plate.

Travis Snider of the Pirates prepares to make contact with Astros catcher Jason Castro at home plate.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Travis Snider of the Pirates loses his helmet as he rolls into Astros catcher Jason Castro after being tagged out trying to score from second.

Travis Snider of the Pirates loses his helmet as he rolls into Astros catcher Jason Castro after being tagged out trying to score from second.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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May 18: Astros 4, Pirates 2 (11)

Jason Castro, left, scores from third on a ground ball by Matt Dominguez as Pirates catcher Russell Martin, right, tries to tag him in the 11th inning.

May 18: Astros 4, Pirates 2 (11)

Jason Castro, left, scores from third on a ground ball by Matt Dominguez as Pirates catcher Russell Martin, right, tries to tag him in the 11th inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Chris Carter #23 of the Astros hits an RBI single in the eighth inning tying the game at 2.

Chris Carter #23 of the Astros hits an RBI single in the eighth inning tying the game at 2.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Russell Martin #55 of the Pirates breaks up a double play.

Russell Martin #55 of the Pirates breaks up a double play.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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A.J. Burnett #34 of the Pirates pitches in the first inning.

A.J. Burnett #34 of the Pirates pitches in the first inning.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Erik Bedard #45 of the Astros pitches in the first inning.

Erik Bedard #45 of the Astros pitches in the first inning.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Gaby Sanchez #14 of the Pirates hits a RBI double in the first inning.

Gaby Sanchez #14 of the Pirates hits a RBI double in the first inning.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Erik Bedard #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning.

Erik Bedard #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pirates reacts after hitting a double.

Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pirates reacts after hitting a double.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pirates scores on an RBI double.

Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pirates scores on an RBI double.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Jose Altuve #27 of the Astros reached on an infield single while recording an RBI in the fifth inning.

Jose Altuve #27 of the Astros reached on an infield single while recording an RBI in the fifth inning.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Jordy Mercer #10 of the Pirates makes a throw to first.

Jordy Mercer #10 of the Pirates makes a throw to first.

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Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Astros turns a double play.

Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Astros turns a double play.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Astros turns a double play.

Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Astros turns a double play.

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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Chris Carter (23) looks for the ball as Andrew McCutchen heads for second.

Chris Carter (23) looks for the ball as Andrew McCutchen heads for second.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Fans line the warning track along the edge of the outfield at PNC Park as part of the Pirates Photofest before the game.

Fans line the warning track along the edge of the outfield at PNC Park as part of the Pirates Photofest before the game.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros left fielder Trevor Crowe (8) chases after a double hit by Gaby Sanchez that drove in Andrew McCutchen in the first inning.

Astros left fielder Trevor Crowe (8) chases after a double hit by Gaby Sanchez that drove in Andrew McCutchen in the first inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Carlos Pena, left, strikes out in front of Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded to end the top of the first inning.

Carlos Pena, left, strikes out in front of Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded to end the top of the first inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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May 17: Pirates 5, Astros 4

Astros shortstop Jake Elmore and right fielder Jimmy Paredes collide and the ball gets loose as they try to catch a pop fly by Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning. The error allowed the winning run in Pittsburgh's victory. less

May 17: Pirates 5, Astros 4

Astros shortstop Jake Elmore and right fielder Jimmy Paredes collide and the ball gets loose as they try to catch a pop fly by Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded ... more

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros shortstop Jake Elmore and right fielder Jimmy Paredes collide and the ball gets loose as they try to catch a pop fly by Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning. The error allowed the winning run in Pittsburgh's victory. less

Astros shortstop Jake Elmore and right fielder Jimmy Paredes collide and the ball gets loose as they try to catch a pop fly by Pirates catcher Russell Martin with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth ... more

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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May 17: Pirates 5, Astros 4

Robbie Grossman of the Astros scores on a sacrifice fly hit by Chris Carter.

May 17: Pirates 5, Astros 4

Robbie Grossman of the Astros scores on a sacrifice fly hit by Chris Carter.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles throws against the Pirates.

Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles throws against the Pirates.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles gets the ball back after throwing against the Pirates.

Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles gets the ball back after throwing against the Pirates.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles looks away after giving up a home run to Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates.

Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles looks away after giving up a home run to Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Pirates catcher Russell Martin, looks for the ball as Robbie Grossman of the Astros scores on a double steal and a bad throw by second baseman Neil Walker in the fifth inning.

Pirates catcher Russell Martin, looks for the ball as Robbie Grossman of the Astros scores on a double steal and a bad throw by second baseman Neil Walker in the fifth inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez fields a ground ball hit by Russell Martin of the Pirates with his bare hand during the fourth inning.

Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez fields a ground ball hit by Russell Martin of the Pirates with his bare hand during the fourth inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Astros first baseman Carlos Pena waits for a pickoff attempt as Starling Marte of the Pirates dives back to first base during the first inning

Astros first baseman Carlos Pena waits for a pickoff attempt as Starling Marte of the Pirates dives back to first base during the first inning

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Starling Marte of the Pirates runs into Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez after being callled out stealing second base in the first inning.

Starling Marte of the Pirates runs into Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez after being callled out stealing second base in the first inning.

Photo: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

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Matt Dominguez of the Astros is congratulated by third base coach Dave Trembley after hitting a home run during the fifth inning.

Matt Dominguez of the Astros is congratulated by third base coach Dave Trembley after hitting a home run during the fifth inning.

Photo: Vincent Pugliese / Getty Images

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Robbie Grossman of the Astros is congratulated by teammate J.D. Martinez after scoring a run against the Pirates.

Robbie Grossman of the Astros is congratulated by teammate J.D. Martinez after scoring a run against the Pirates.

Photo: Vincent Pugliese / Getty Images

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Jordan Lyles of the Astros delivers a pitch to the Pirates.

Jordan Lyles of the Astros delivers a pitch to the Pirates.

Photo: Vincent Pugliese / Getty Images

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Marwin Gonzalez of the Astros dives for a ball hit during the fourth inning against the Pirates.

Marwin Gonzalez of the Astros dives for a ball hit during the fourth inning against the Pirates.